Diggers Evaluating Diggers: A Collaboration between SAA and the National Geographic Channel

Summary

Since 2014 the SAA has collaborated with the National Geographic Channel to evaluate episodes of the cable television program Diggers,and to recommend changes to help ensure a more ethical and accurate portrayal of archaeology.Our paper will examine the history of the collaboration, guidelines developed for reviewing episodes,and a suggested framework for crafting accurate and ethical portrayals of archaeology in the context of a reality television show. Lastly, we will evaluate the outcomes of our efforts from the perspectives of both the discipline and the viewing audience.